Meet Anna Alfred Shirokova | Pilates studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Alfred Shirokova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Movement has always been a part of my life. From an early age, I pursued a career in dance, dedicating myself to the discipline and artistry of movement. When my dance journey came to an end, I struggled to find a form of exercise that brought me the same sense of fulfillment. For years, I bounced between gyms and fitness classes, but nothing sparked that same passion. I missed the energy of a community, the rhythm, the challenge. As soon as I stepped into my first Modern Pilates class, I finally felt like this was it. The blend of strength, balance, and mindful movement pushed me beyond my limits. The flowing sequences on the reformer mirrored the choreography I had always loved, offering constant engagement and challenge. What started as a workout quickly became the next chapter of my journey that led me to create ALORA Fitness, a space to share this passion with others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ALORA Fitness is a Modern Pilates studio born from my deep passion for movement, community, and mindful fitness. What sets us apart is the experience we create—our classes go beyond workouts to become journeys that challenge the body while nurturing the mind. We focus on precision, flow, and fostering a community where everyone feels supported, seen, and motivated.

One of my greatest sources of pride is the community we’ve built in such a short time. Seeing clients connect, build friendships, and feel inspired by their progress is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of our amazing team of instructors who share the same passion for delivering high-quality, personalized classes.

The road to where we are today wasn’t easy. Opening ALORA Fitness meant stepping into new territory as a business owner, facing countless unknowns—from finding the right space to bringing my vision to life. There were doubts, setbacks, and exhausting moments, but I always returned to my “why.” The guidance of mentors who supported me both in Pilates and business was invaluable.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that no one will believe in your vision more than you do, especially in the early stages. You have to hold onto it fiercely, be willing to adjust when needed, and trust that every obstacle is part of the journey. I also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and remind you why you started.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about ALORA Fitness, it’s that we are more than a studio. We are a space where people reconnect with their bodies, challenge themselves, and find joy in movement—alongside a like-minded community. Our story is built on passion, resilience, and the belief that movement can transform not only bodies, but lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting San Diego for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect mix of coastal beauty, city charm, and local gems.
We’d start by exploring Little Italy, one of my favorite neighborhoods, enjoying a relaxed brunch, strolling through the vibrant farmers market and tasting local treats. For the evenings, we’d enjoy seafood and end the night with cocktails in one of the neighborhood’s stylish lounges.
No visit would be complete without a trip to Cabrillo National Monument. The panoramic views from the cliffs are breathtaking, especially at sunset. We’d explore the tide pools and hopefully spot a few whales.
For beach days, I’d take them to Windansea Beach in La Jolla—one of the most stunning and peaceful beaches in the area. We’d spend the day relaxing, and enjoying the laid-back vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I truly believe no journey is ever taken alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support, mentorship, and encouragement I’ve received along the way.
I’m thankful for the Modern Pilates community and instructors who reignited my love for movement in a whole new way and inspired me to dive deeper into Pilates.
A very special part of my journey has been my trainer, Jonathan Nguyen, a founder of Exercise strength core . I took his training when ALORA Fitness was still just an idea, on the verge of becoming something real. From the very beginning, he has been more than a Pilates mentor—he guided me through every challenge I faced while building a Pilates studio. His knowledge, patience, and support helped me grow as a studio owner. I’m truly grateful to have him as part of this journey.
But above all, my biggest shoutout goes to my husband. His patience, support, and ability to always see the good side of every situation have been my anchor. He’s the one who keeps me grounded and helps me find peace even in the chaos. Our journey has been extra special because we built ALORA Fitness while planning our wedding at the same time. We got married at the end of October, and just a few months later we opened the doors to ALORA Fitness.

Website: https://alora-fitness.com

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Image Credits
Patrizse